Newcastle United continue to chase down a partner for Papiss Cisse, with Lyon striker Bafetimbi Gomis looking likely to head Tyneside.

It’s been a summer to forget for the Toon Army with discord bursting at the seems after owner Mike Ashley made the controversial decision to hire Joe Kinnear as the Director of Football. The hiring placed a cloud over manager Alan Pardew’s hold on his squad and prompted Newcastle legend Alan Shearer to voice his concern.

Yet amidst the turmoil, the Magpies remain a side in desperate need of some new blood to join Cisse up top. The Senegalese international remains the club’s crown jewel but is in desperate need of a companion who can reduce the scoring burden since Demba Ba’s departure for Stamford Bridge last January.

By far and away, Gomis appears to be the man for the job. Newcastle submitted an initial $9.2 million (£6m) bid for the French international that Lyon promptly denied. But the Ligue 1 side looks poised to deal, informing Newcastle yesterday that raising the bid to $13.2 million (£8.6m) will get the deal done.

Sources at Sky Sports now claim that Newcastle have returned with a bid of $10.6 million (£6.9m) for the 27 year old. At that number, this is looking like a deal that’s destined to get done, although Lyon will likely push for the Magpies to meet them half way.

Gomis’ presence would not only bring a goal-scoring threat – the striker bagged 16 goals in 37 Ligue 1 appearances last year – but would go a long way to reducing the physical impact Cisse has endured since Ba’s departure.

Gomis would continue the French Revolution at Newcastle, becoming the club’s 12th French player on the roster. That number could soon jump to 13 as the Mapgies are also rumored to be in line for Frenchman Loic Remy, who would come to St. James’ Park on a year long loan deal from Queens Park Rangers.